In a bizarre series of events, a 21-year-old man from China’s Zhejiang province, identified only by his surname Jiang, managed to scam 63 hotels using staged evidence like dead cockroaches, used condoms, and strands of hair to demand free stays and financial compensation.
Jiang’s scam began after he spent his university tuition funds on travel instead of enrolling in college. Left penniless, he devised a cunning plan to sustain his lifestyle. Armed with carefully prepared “props,” including dead insects and other unsavory items, he checked into hotels across five provinces, planting fake evidence to claim unsanitary conditions.
How He Pulled It Off
Over 10 months, Jiang became a prolific scammer, sometimes checking into multiple hotels in a single day. He exploited minor flaws or planted his props, threatening hotels with bad reviews and demanding compensation. According to police reports, many establishments, concerned about their reputation, caved in to his demands.
“His complaints about bugs and hygiene issues were frequent and alarming. Upon comparing notes with other hotels, we noticed a recurring pattern with this guest,” said a hotel staff member.
How He Got Caught
Jiang’s streak ended on August 8 when one hotel manager decided to report him to authorities after he extorted $55 over fake hygiene complaints. During his arrest, police found 23 packets of incriminating evidence in his possession.
Investigations revealed that Jiang had stayed in over 380 hotels, successfully extorting more than $5,200 in total. His case has now been handed over to prosecutors for further legal proceedings.
Public Reaction
The incident has sparked widespread outrage online. “He deserves free accommodation – in prison!” quipped one social media user. Others criticized his actions as a betrayal of his parents’ hard work in providing his tuition funds.
Jiang’s elaborate scam is a cautionary tale about the lengths some individuals will go for financial gain and serves as a reminder for businesses to remain vigilant.
